Zuko Komisa

- Johannesburg’s Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street) has finally reopened to traffic, two years after a fatal gas explosion caused its closure.
- The road has been resurfaced with paving bricks and a new one-way system is in place, with JMPD officers deployed to assist with the new layout.
- The city urges road users to follow new traffic signals and a strict enforcement of by-laws, including illegal parking and jaywalking, will be implemented.
Two years after a devastating gas explosion brought parts of the city to a standstill, one of Johannesburg’s busiest thoroughfares, Lilian Ngoyi Street, is set to officially reopen to traffic. The announcement comes nearly two weeks after the City of Johannesburg missed its previous deadline for the completion of repairs.
The major arterial route, previously known as Bree Street, was split open by a massive gas explosion on 20 July 2023, during peak hour traffic. The incident tragically claimed one life and left 48 people injured, prompting an extensive and complex repair project.
While the city had initially aimed for a 1 September reopening, delays pushed the completion date back. The newly refurbished road has been transformed, with the traditional tarred surface replaced by durable paving bricks.
In preparation for the reopening, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that its officers will be stationed at key intersections, including Rissik, Joubert, Eloff, Von Brandis, and Wanderers streets. They will be on hand to assist motorists with navigating the new one-way system and to direct traffic.
The JMPD also stated that it would be actively enforcing municipal by-laws to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. This includes clamping down on illegal parking, street trading that obstructs movement, and jaywalking.
A spokesperson for the city urged all road users to exercise patience and caution.
“Motorists should adhere to the new traffic signals and road markings. Pedestrians and cyclists must utilise the newly designed sidewalks and designated crossing points,” the statement read.
The public’s cooperation and patience during the prolonged rehabilitation period have been appreciated, and residents are now urged to remain vigilant as they adjust to the new road layout.
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